SLS and Parabens - some information

Q I am confused -is natural better for my kids I don't like chemicals

A It is confusing for all but here are some facts

1) Everything you touch & handle is composed of chemicals but they are either organic (plant or animal matter) or synthetic (man made). Both organic & synthetic have the potential to harm you e.g. peanuts & strawberries cause more allergies than any synthetic food additive known. There is a myth that if it is "natural" it is hypoallergenic that is not true. Almost every substance natural or otherwise known to man would upset the bodies chemistry (arguably increasing the risk of cancer) if taken internally (by mouth) to excess. In aromatherapy we are talking external application i.e. via skin or breathing & the amount ingested is tiny.

2) Natural products often have synthetic sounding names. Sodium Laureath sulphate is actually processed coconut oil & is safe. Manufacturers who spread scare stories & say "we don't use it" generally use ammonium laureath sulfate which is the same thing but has not been around so long & has not had the level of safety analysis.

3) There is no organic (soil association standard)for toiletries as yet. "we use organic ingredients" (as we do) is meaningless because neither I nor anyone else can find an organic sterilising fluid to sterilise the bottles or the storage containers! Those who are using the organic marketing tool are often (not always) doing it to make more profit. The mainstream oils such as lavender are widely available as organic stock & the raw material is the same price as non-organic when purchased in 50litre drums as I do. Organic doesn't neccessarily mean better quality. It is the soil, sunshine & general weather conditions that make the difference

4) Your main protection is to buy from sources whose reputation is critical to their business. For instance the man on the market stall with unlabelled products (poss from Eastern Europe or Russia) isn't really bothered about repeat business. For someone like me the reputation & quality of my products is everything.